Rodney Ellis weighs in on Harris County Democratic chair race

Sen. Rodney Ellis released a statement today regarding what he calls the “questionable” tactics being used in the race for Harris County Democratic Party Chair. As we’ve reported, interim chair Lane Lewis is facing off with Houston lawyer Keryl Douglas. Last week, a letter of unknown origin was circulated from a group purporting to be “Ministers for Keryl” attacking Lewis because he is gay. Douglas denied having any knowledge of the letter.

However, in following the instructions to “unsubsribe” to the email list used by the purported ministers, users are directed to Douglas’ campaign web page.

Here’s what Ellis had to say Wednesday:

“I’ve traditionally not commented on party chair races, but feel the on-going controversy in the race for Harris County Democratic Party Chair demands a response. As a Senator who represents one of the most diverse districts in Texas, an African American, a neighbor and the proud author of the James Bryd, Jr. Hate Crimes Act, I categorically reject this transparent effort to divide our communities, and hope all decent Texas will do the same.

“We’ve seen this type of rhetoric before, but what we’ve seen in the race for Harris County Democratic Party goes beyond the normal realm of underhanded campaign tactics. Our system demands transparency and honesty and these types of divisive, possibly fictional attacks strike at the very heart of the democratic process. I join those calling for a full investigation so that we can get to the truth of this matter.

“This is a disgusting, orchestrated plan to pit bigotry’s victims against each other, to try to drive a wedge between our communities. It will not work because, as NAACP President Benjamin Todd Jealous succinctly put it: ‘People of color understand what it is like to be the target of discrimination.’

“This effort is strikingly similar to a strategy mapped out by anti-gay rights group National Organization for Marriage, whose plan for just this type of cynical, wedge politics was exposed in court last month. If that is the case here, I hope a full investigation brings out the people behind this despicable campaign.

“Regardless of the source, this type of divisive politics must be denounced and not allowed to flourish. Democrats must unite and with one voice condemn these attacks and work together as a community to move forward to build a stronger, more vibrant and tolerant Texas.”